ESL Podcast 831 - Not the Marrying Kind

the word on the street - a rumor; what people are saying about someone or something without proof that it is true

The word on the street is that Kolya spent a few years in prison.

not the marrying kind - a person who is not interested in getting married and plans to remain single

In the past, women were expected to get married, but now it's more acceptable for a woman to say that she's not the marrying kind.

to settle down - to begin to live a quiet, calm life, especially getting married and starting a family

Noemi traveled a lot in her 20s, but now she's ready to settle down and have kids.

upfront - direct, honest, and straightforward, without hiding anything

Xander had an upfront discussion with his boss about his growing responsibilities, which resulted in Xander getting a raise.

intention - what one plans to have happen; aim; plan

It wasn't my intention to hurt you. I'm sorry.

to tie the knot - to get married

They're going to tie the knot on September 24th .

commitment phobe - someone who is afraid of having a long-term relationship with another person and refuses to get married

Lionel has had some bad relationships in the past and now he considers himself a commitment phobe and won't even date anyone.

to play the field - to date many different people without having a serious long- term relationship with anyone

Laura believes that it's okay for men to play the field as long as they tell the women they're dating that they aren't interested in a long-term relationship.

to reform - to fix or improve a system or someone, usually by making many small changes or by changing someone's behavior

Is the prison system designed to punish or reform criminals?

to fall head over heels in love - to suddenly have very strong romantic feelings toward another person

Charlene has fallen head over heels in love with Drake and says she's going to marry him by the end of the year.

to put (something) behind (one) - to no longer do something or act a particular way; to make someone part of one's past

Pierre is so worried he won't get the job. He needs to just put his fear behind him and apply for it anyway.

philandering ways - the habits of a man who has sex with many women but is not interested in having a long-term romantic relationship

Everyone warned Sheila of Jun's philandering ways, but she decided to go out with him anyway.

to count on (something) - to rely on something; to believe that something is true

Ismeta always tells the truth, so if she says she'll do something, she will. You can count on it.

convinced - persuaded; believing that something is true

Why are you so convinced that Alfred is telling the truth?

degree - extent; a measure of the quantity of something, especially on a scale

We were shocked by the degree to which they were in debt.

to delude - to lie and cause others to believe in those lies; to make someone believe something that isn't true

The company deluded everyone into thinking that it was much more profitable than it actually was.